[Q] Working with a Used Phone - myTouch 3G Slide Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hello all,
Introduction:
My name is Dev, and I have purchased a phone from Craigslist about a year ago. I used to use Windows Mobile phones. I had no problems with them. I have used the T-mobile MDA, Wing, and Touch Pro 2. They have been good phones for me, until recently. I have always wanted a faster phone and the Touch Pro 2 seemed to be quick enough for me. Nope. It slowed down just like the others. My brother is younger than me, and he has been attracted to the Android market since the T-mobile G1. I never got an opportunity to enter this operating system market. I am very tech savvy however, and it has merely been a case of me not wanting to "change." However, I am past that and I want to contribute to the Android community. My first Android phone is the T-mobile myTouch 3G Slide. (I like sliding phones in case you haven't noticed. I must have the physical keyboard. I text a lot.) I bought it used from Craigslist, and it seemed to work fine then. The previous owner was nice enough to clear all the data off of it, and give it to me fresh. I have been using it since.
Leading into my problem/question:
Lately, however, it has been slowing down too. I want to reset it to a clean slate. I know how to do it. It is in the menus. However, I do not like how this phone has been modified. Why would you modify a phone? I have never had to do this with my Windows phones. There has never been a need to flash any roms or anything. They had updates which were simple to use. Plug the USB into the computer and follow the simple steps. Make sure it doesn't shut off during flash. Simple. I've done this plenty of times with printers, motherboards, CD-ROMs, and all other flashable devices. I understand how big of a risk this is. If the flash doesn't complete (or is the wrong rom), then the device will not work again. Unless, you J-TAG the device and flash it again correctly. But, that requires a lot of work, and a wiring schematic to figure out where the J-TAG ports are. I have learned this information from back in the day when I used to do dish testing. You would flash roms to satellite TV boxes and experiment with new encryption technologies for satellite TV. That being said, I am terrified of flashing phones, because I would have no idea where to look for J-TAG ports for phones, if I mess something up. So, in conclusion, my experience in flashing has been for testing purposes only.
Problem/Question:
How do I figure out what the status of my phone is? It says Cyanogen Mod on start up. My brother tells me this is a very good rom. Who decided that though? Is it a bad idea to go back to stock T-mobile rom? I've always had this thought nagging me to try it and see why people go through all this headache of S-OFF and rooting phones. However, if I go back to the stock rom, will I be able to gain access to the phone's internal memory again? I don't like the idea of losing the S-OFF and rooting privileges the previous owner worked so hard to do. I would like to flash the latest T-mobile rom to the device, but how do I know if it will mess up everything and clash with some code leftover from the modified rom of Cyanogen Mod? Also, how do I backup all my stuff? I want to keep all my setting for the programs I have downloaded from the Google Market. I want to keep my contacts and notes. I want to keep my text messages and MMS messages. I am one of those idiots who keeps all his text messages and MMS messages archived. I go back through the messages from time to time for retrieval of important information I may have spoken about with someone in the past. I know this is a loaded post. I am sorry. If anyone is willing or able to help me, then please pick any point in this post and we'll go from there. This was just an outline of everything so you guys can help me find a starting point.
What I Know About the Phone:
T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide
Android 2.3.3
Baseband 47.63.35.21U_7.15.35.16
Kernel 2.6.32.17-cyanogenmod-g501281a [email protected] #1
CPU ARMv6-compatible process rev 5 (c6l)
Mod CyanogenMod-7.0.0-Slide
Build GRI40
I believe it is S-OFF and it is rooted. I would like a procedure to verify though. Please.
Memory Card:
Memory card has a lot of folders and stuff on it from which I have no idea. Some of it says nervous stuff like ".android_secure" "clockworkmod" "2111.zip" "signed_Froyo_Slide_Radio.zip" "gapps-gb-20110120-signed.zip" "update.zip" "update-cm-7.0.0-Slide-signed" and "Android" I like it when my memory card is clean with nothing but a few folders like "Pictures" "Videos" "Movies" "Data" "Programs" "Software" "Music" and other general stuff like that. I like this so I can use the memory card elsewhere and know where everything is. Basically, I want to know if I can delete everything without shooting myself in the foot. How do I find out what each .apk is for? Will a stock T-mobile rom come with all the stock backgrounds, contact pictures, and all the other stock goodies? I feel like some of those were on the SD card too.
Things I like:
Speed. I like things to be fast. Utilitarian. I don't want any fancy effects, typically. I like everything simple. For example, my desktops are all using the Classic Windows Theme, and all fade in / fade out have been disabled. I want my phone to be the same way. Nothing I don't need. Minimalistic. I don't like to keep many programs running at once. This was something I liked about the Windows phones. I could click in the upper right hand corner and it would present a list of running programs. I could close specific ones that I did not want to run in the background. Android doesn't seem to have a feature like this, but it does seem like they close if they are not being displayed on the screen.
WIFI
How do I fix the WIFI in this phone? It seems like the radio drivers are wrong are outdated. It keeps dropping the connection immediately after the phone connects to a wireless network. I noticed a thread, but I cannot post to it. I wanted to ask how I would apply this patch to my phone without having a rom or anything. I thought maybe I could boot the phone into the recovery mode, and install the radio drivers maybe? I don't know what I am doing though, and want some guidance.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1177650
And, why does the GPS take so long to get a fix?
Moderators/Thanks
I am very sorry to anyone and everyone whom I may offend in this post. If all my questions are answered somewhere else, please direct me to the correct area. I have been searching and researching for so long and I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I gave up about two months ago, and now I am back again trying to fix this phone. Please do not be mad at me for pestering you guys with annoying questions from new users like me. I know you guys are tired of answering these questions over and over again. Please. Just give me a little guidance. Thank you so much for any and all help. I really truly appreciate this. Android seems to be a very good operating system, and I am looking forward to all your posts.
P.S.
Sorry about the length of this post. It is my first time.

Test
Testing to see if I get notification of replies.

Well, for starters, welcome to the myTouch 3G Slide fora, second, yes, your brother is right, you are running the best ROM available at the moment, but your running an older version of itif you like, i can link you to an updated version of the ROM or i can point you to the "Android Development" section of the forum for the myTouch Slide and you can pick one your self, if you need any help with your device, feel free to PM me or reply to this thread at any time, seeing as how iI am one of the last people who actually still support this device for ROMs, i would reccomend my "TeamFreedom LeWaOS" ROM, but im still working out some kinks in it, for now, i will give you the opportunity to update to the latest version of "CyanogenMOD 7.2":
Download the ROM (has fix for WiFi i believe): http://download.cyanogenmod.com/get/RC/update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-espresso-signed.zip
Download for the latest 2.3.3 GAPPS: http://goo.im/gapps/gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip
Also, here is how to FLASH these ROMs:
Pre-requsite: PLACE "update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-espresso-signed.zip" and "gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip" on the root of your sdcard
1: Hold the power button on your phone
2: Tap "Reboot"
3: Tap "Recovery"
4: when in "Recovery" use the Volume +/- keys to move and the trackpad to select "Wipe data/factory reset" then select "yes" if necessary
4a: select "Install zip from sdcard"
5: then select "choose zip from sdcard"
6: select "update-cm-7.2.0-RC2-espresso-signed.zip"
7: When finished select "reboot system now"
8: again, reboot into recovery
9: flash "gapps-gb-20110828-signed.zip"
10: reboot system, and enjoy your updated phone, this process overall is the same for all android phones, and for all ROMs

Thank You
Thanks. I will try the new CyanogenMod rom.

Dealing with the performance of your phone, how many SMS/MMS msgs do you have currently? I noticed you said you dont like deleting them. Thing is, if you have a lot of msgs it can significantly impact your phones performance. Obviously it impacts the messaging app but in my experience it can affect the whole system. This may not be the case on CM ROMS but i have noticed it on stock. (i dont use CM much, prefer Sense).
Also u can try overclocking. I like NoFrills app from market. Its free and allows u to select your i/o scheduler and governor.
For backups, hands down Titanium Backup is the best if u ask me (and many others).
Hope this helps a little.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

Update on CM7
Hey, guys.
So, I've updated to CM 7.2.0. Since then, I've been having problems with the touch screen and the phone app. If I use the directional pad, I can highlight the phone app, but when I click on it, it crashes. Also, the touch screen is unresponsive all the time. Sometimes, I will get lucky and when I reboot it, I will get access to the touch screen again. I am wondering if maybe I didn't update the drivers for the touch screen or the phone radio or something. I have a hunch that the phone app is crashing and lagging the whole system, so the touch screen isn't working because of that. When the touch screen does work, the phone app is also working. I am thinking of just flashing the phone with HTC's stock rom and then rooting and s-off it all over again, because I think the previous owner didn't do something right. I want to know if I can just flash the stock rom without any consequences. And, also will I be able to get it rooted and s-offed again? I'm hoping that by flashing the stock rom, I can test my touch screen and phone app with confidence. Maybe the phone app is sending commands for a newer firmware revision, and mine isn't updated to that version yet. Not sure how this works really. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Suggestion. Re-flash the rom, but in recovery go into advanced, wipe dalvik cache. Hit back, now in mounts and storage. Wipe the following, boot, system, hit back wipe/factory reset, wipe cache. Flash rom, then gapps. Reboot. You should be good to go. Hope this helps.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 05:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:05 PM ----------
Oh and to check for S-off reboot to bootloader when holding power, or while phone is off power on while holding vol down. Should say alfarev s-off or unlocked.
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using xda app-developers app

Ran into a wall
Alright, guys.
So, I ran into a wall. It is now completely unresponsive to the touch screen. I had recently flashed it, and I am trying to do what you had suggested, Dvarl. The problem is that I cannot touch the android logo so I can continue onto the Rom Manager where I can flash and reboot into recovery. If I try to go into the recovery by holding the down arrow and power button, then clicking on "Recovery," I get the red triangle logo. It has always been this way. Lastly, my phone is not s-offed. Thanks for helping me out with that. lol Any ideas on how to flash without the Rom Manager recovery flash?
Edit: I think I have found the problem. I think my digitizer is going out. I am going to maybe purchase a new one and see if it fixes the touching problem. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks for all your help thus far!

Related

READ FIRST! - Rooting, Solutions to Problems, the Answer to Life (Updated:11/29/11)

ROOTING + UNROOTING INFORMATION + COMMON QUESTIONS + PROBLEMS w/ LINKS​
DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT OCCURS TO YOUR PHONE. THIS IS A COLLECTION OF INFORMATION I FOUND TO BE USEFUL. I ONLY ORGANIZED IT HERE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO FIND.
Don't forget to thank people who made the ROMs, Root Methods, etc. They put in a lot of work and take a lot of time helping people. All it takes is a click of a button. One for me too! It's a lot of work trying to keep everything updated. =P
This will and always will be a work in progress. If you feel something should be added, clarified, or corrected feel free to PM me. I'm not perfect and I can't read everything so any and all help is appreciated. (Yes of course I will credit you. Just no plagiarism!)
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Preface:
I made this guide to be a collection of information for the latest rooting methods as well as common questions and problems that arise from rooting/flashing/etc. Please read the entire guide if you are new to rooting. Also the common questions and problems are found in posts 2 and 3 of this thread. I hope you find this to be helpful. Happy and safe rooting.
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Rooting Information
What is rooting and why should/shouldn't I do it?
Rooting is a way of gaining access to the root directory of your phone enabling you to change every aspect of your phones software that the manufacturer has locked. This enables you to do many things with your device that the manufacturer did not intend. Here are some reasons why people root and why people don't.
Reasons to root:
Get the latest versions of Android on your phone before anyone else.
Try faster and more optimized versions of your phone's software.
Overclocking and underclocking your phone.
Longer battery life.
Theme your phone a lot more.
FREE Wireless Tethering.
Remove unwanted Sprint software.
Reasons to NOT Root:
Not comfortable with troubleshooting your phone and phone problems.
Do not have the time to spend going through countless forums to find solutions to problems.
Possibility to break your phone permanently causing you to go back to Sprint (IF YOU HAVE INSURANCE) to get another one or buy another if you don't have insurance.
VOIDS YOUR WARRANTY WITH SPRINT. (Can be undone)
Very time consuming and addicting.
Do not know what a "driver" is for a computer.
Have no knowledge of DOS.
So how do I root?
-Don't use any method just because the guide says "ROOT METHOD". Make sure its the latest root method used for your situation. Even this guide will get outdated one day (I'll try my best to keep it up to date).
-Rooting will cause all your information to be lost if you did not properly back them up. You will lose anything saved on the phone, such as contacts (not synced to Google) and applications and settings. Anything on your SD card will still be there such as music and pictures and video.
Basic terminology:
ROM - The phone's software
Flashing - Installing. Pertains to ROMs, kernels, radios, themes, etc.
0) Make sure you have at least 30% battery. You do NOT want to have your phone die when flashing. Your phone will turn into a very pretty and expensive paperweight.
1) Turn on your phone and hit Menu > Settings > About Phone > Software information. Make a note of your Baseband Version, Kernel version, Software Number, and PRI Version. Now press your BACK button and go to Hardware information. Look for your 4 digit Hardware Version. Write this down too. This information is helpful when troubleshooting issues you may have.
2) Power your phone off. Hold VOLUME DOWN and your POWER button till you see the following screen
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
This is called the Bootloader Screen. Remember it. You will see it very often. There are two pieces of crucial information on this screen that you will be concerned with. On the first line, you will see S-ON. This stands for Security-ON. It means you are not rooted more or less. On the second line you will see "HBOOT #.##.####" This is your HBOOT version number.
3) Now that you have this information, it is time to pick your root method. You only need to root once and only need to pick ONE of the following methods.
Revolutionary: - This will unlock the bootloader for the latest stock GB. Follow all instructions to the letter.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1218386
IF YOUR VERSION IS BEFORE 4.22.651.2, UPDATE YOUR PHONE USING OTA THEN ROOT USING REVOLUTIONARY!!!!!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT WHEN YOU GO TO THESE RESPECTIVE LINKS, MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE STILL UPDATED! CHECK THE LAST PAGE OR 3 TO SEE IF IT IS STILL UPDATED. IF NOT SOMEONE WILL GENERALLY SAY IT IS OUTDATED. SUPPORT FOR THE ROOT METHODS SHOULD BE DONE ON THEIR RESPECTIVE PAGES OR IN THE Q+A PAGE. ALSO MOST ISSUES YOU WILL RUN INTO, SOMEONE ELSE PROBABLY ALREADY HAS SO PLEASE USE THE SEARCH FUNCTION.
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How do I know if I am rooted?
Go into Bootloader. If you see S-OFF at the top, you are fully rooted.
I am rooted now. What can I do?
FIRST MAKE A NANDROID BACKUP! ALWAYS DO THIS BEFORE YOU FLASH SOMETHING. THESE ARE BIG FILES SO TRANSFER THEM TO YOUR COMPUTER TO SAVE SPACE ON YOUR SD!
A nandroid backup basically takes a snapshot of your phone which you can restore. While it will fix most problems, it is not a cure all. It will fix most if not all ROM flashing blunders.
How do I make a Nandroid Backup?
1) Power off your phone.
2) Hold VOLUME DOWN and POWER to till you see the Bootloader screen.
3) Use VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN to navigate to RECOVERY and push the POWER button to select.
4) Once in Recovery, Look for an option that says NANDROID or NANDROID BACKUP.
5) Select that and hit power.
6) Wait till your NANDROID BACKUP is finished and then proceed to flashing anything you want.
7) ALWAYS DO THIS BEFORE FLASHING ANYTHING.
8) If you run out of space on your SD card, your backups are saved to your SD card under the Nandroid Folder. Back up this folder to your PC.
OK. I made my Nandroid Backup. What can I do now?
You can now flash custom ROMs, kernels, radios, themes, etc.
If you aren't sure what a ROM/Radio/Recovery is check out ricsim78's post here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790427
Here is a great guide on kernels. Kernels are what you want to flash if you want to improve battery life.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=894880 - Kernel information. What each does and what each stands for?
Here is where you can find most of the goodies here on XDA for the Evo:
Head on over to the Android Development forums for Custom ROMs/Kernels/Radios/Recoveries.
If you want themes, clocks, widgets, UI, etc, head on over to the Themes + Apps forum. Make sure you flashed a "Deodex" ROM for theming.
How do I flash a ROM/Kernel/Theme/etc
99% of all ROM's, kernels and radios come flashable (will be a .zip file).
0) MAKE SURE YOU HAVE 30% BATTERY AT LEAST!
1) Plug your phone into your computer and connect it as Disk Drive.
2) Place your ROM/Kernel/Radio/Theme/ETC into your SD card. (If you have the 4 in 1 option skip to step 5)
3) Power your phone off. Hold VOLUME DOWN and POWER at the same time till you load into Bootloader.
4) Select recovery by using the volume buttons to move and hit the power button to load into Recovery.
5) Once in recovery, make a NANDROID BACKUP and wipe your data/cache/dalvik! If you are flashing an update to your ROM and want to keep your apps, don't wipe your data. If you run into errors or FC (Force closes), wipe your data/cache/dalvik and flash again.
6) Flash your file by going to Install/Flash zip from sdcard.
7) Select your file and hit the power button. Press power again to confirm if needed.
8) Wait till the flash is complete and reboot.
How do I return to stock (unroot)?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1218386 Go down to the FAQ. Your answer lies there.
How do I backup my apps?
Use MyBackup. You can use this to backup and restore your apps without the need for rooting. (Thanks teh roxxorz)
Appbrain is good if you are using market only apps. However app data won't be saved.
Titanium Backup is also good if you are rooted.
Credits:
teh roxxorz aka time traveler, xHausx, ricsim78, zikronix, djR3Z, mroneeyedboh for their work on the guides I linked and to all the devs out there cooking up ROMs/Recoveries/Themes/Kernels/ETC to bring everyone rooting joy.
Common Questions
I am getting an Over the Air (OTA) update from Sprint. Should I accept it if I am rooted?
This is what a Sprint OTA update looks like.
IF YOU ARE ROOTED, DO NOT ACCEPT THIS OTA.
This means that your phone's software is not up to date and it is telling you to update. You must download a ROOTED version of the update and manually flash it. Accepting this will cause you to lose root and worst case, brick your phone. SO DON'T DO IT! lol
This is the link to the latest OFFICIAL ROOTED Sprint ROMs. This will flash a ROOTED 100% stock phone. Meaning it will be rooted but it will be just like your how your phone was before you rooted it. You can NOT remove the Sprint bloatware on the phone. You can also flash a custom ROM with the newest update as its base.
Newest Stock ROOTED RUU - 4.22.651.2
http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1110733
3.70.651.1 + Radios
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=874251 NEWEST ROOTED OTA. Use the First link for the Radios.
3.30.651.3 + Kernels
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=836728
3.30.651.2 + Kernels
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819838
3.29.651.5
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=789913
I rooted using ABC's method. Do I need to root again using XYZ's?
No. Once you are rooted, you are good to go.
I turned my phone into a paperweight/bricked it/"borked" it/its just not working no matter what I do. What can I do?:
If you can still get into your bootloader then you are not bricked! But if you can't get into bootloader and if you have Sprint's Total Equipment Protection Program, you are in luck. They changed their policy on October 23rd. Here are the details of what it covers.
http://www.phonenews.com/sprint-tepsr-changes-next-week-13303/
If the phone is beyond repair, you will have to go through Asurion and pay the $100 deductible. TEP does not cover rooted phones. You have to go through Asurion.
If you don't have TEP, everything except water/fire damage and lost phone replacements cost $35 per incident as long as the phone is not beyond repair. If it is beyond repair, you will have to buy a new phone.
What is PRL?
PRL stands for Preferred Roaming List. Its a list of roaming towers in your area. Its best to keep this updated in crappy coverage areas.
What is PRI?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=751935&page=7 <- Debate on what it stands for. (REALLY?!)
In actuality it is called "Product Release Instructions" and is essentially a list of settings for the radio. It's the PRI which uses the PRL to enable data roaming by connecting it to towers/cell sites listed in the PRL and for other things such as to allow calls to interrupt an active data session (ring-through).
How do I update my PRL/PRI?
Go to Menu > Settings > System Updates > Update PRL + Update Profile.
If that doesn't work (and for most, it doesn't), you can always download it from here. Mind you the above steps only work for Sense based ROMs. If you are on AOSP you have to download it from below.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715485
To update your PRL Manually, go to this link (thanks to Noncorp)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=10004743#post10004743
Latest Information:
Radio: 2.15.00.04.08
WIMAX: 27925
PRI: 1.90.003
PRL: 60677
I see "deodex" and "odex" ROMs. What are those?
Basically if you want to theme your ROM you want to use deodexed ROMs. Odexed ROM's are made to be streamlined. There is a performance difference. Deodexed ROM's will take longer to boot up because everything or almost everything is unpacked. Odexed ROM's will boot faster and be more responsive.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=What+is+deodex
Google is your friend =P
FREE Wireless Tether:
http://code.google.com/p/android-wifi-tether/downloads/list?can=2&q=Evo
***Some builds don't work with certain ROM's. Trial and error or searching within your ROM's thread will let you know which build numbers will work for you. Also note if you enable WIFI Encryption, the password is CASE SENSITIVE! Make sure you know that as you are typing the password in due to certain keyboards auto capitalizing. ***
Launchers:
ADW - Landscape on Home Screen, Customize Dock Bar, Customize Icons, Customize App Drawer, Free and Pro Versions.
LauncherPro - Landscape on Home Screen, Customize Dock Bar, Customize Icons, Customize App Drawer, Free and Pro Versions, Widgets (Pro Only)
Widgets
Beautiful Widgets - Sense like clocks and weather. Make sure to download the animation package if you want animated weather.
OneSeven - A text based date widget
Tajm - A text based clock
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Battery - Common Questions and Problems
What is the best ROM + Kernel combination for battery life?
There is no right answer for this. Battery life is affected by so many factors, the only thing you can do is trial and error. Here are most of the factors that can affect battery life:
-Phone Settings (Haptic feedback, screen on duration, auto sync, radios, etc)
-ROMs
-Kernels
-Overclocking + underclocking
-Apps
-Signal strength
-Roaming
-Battery type
-Battery stats
-Calibrating the battery
-PRI
-PRL
-The water you drank the other day
-The **** you took just before
So how do I improve battery life?
#1 Go to the bottom: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=790427
#2 Adjust your brightness settings, turn off anything you aren't using, use Wifi if it is available (noticeable), set sync frequencies longer, and turn off haptic feedback.
#3 Get some Ebay batteries. They work decently for the price but you may not enjoy carrying multiple batteries around and doing the battery shuffle with your phone.
#4 http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=778466
#5 Seriously go out and buy an extended battery. It is well worth it if you don't care about the increase in size. If you are like me and use the car dock you will get a bit ticked off that you have to switch back to the stock battery and stock cover when you get into your car but its worth it.
#6 You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around, that's what it's all about!
I bought #3 when I got my Evo at launch. The damn aftermarket batteries lasted longer than my OEM.
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ROM Information and Tips Poll of ROM usage: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=951057
Sense ROMs
There are a few flavors of Sense nowadays and you may be confused as to what it all means. If your Evo was fully up to date, it should be on Android 2.2 Froyo using Sense 1.0.
Lately there have been ROM leaks that have pushed it all the way up to Gingerbread 2.3.3/2.3.4 with Sense 3.0. The problem is these are unofficial updates of Sense.
Any leaked ROM will have bugs that must first be ironed out.
Sense 1.0 - Will have everything working. Most of these ROMs optimize performance and are themed with certain mods and tweaks.
Sense 2.0 - Will almost certainly not have 4G working along with other bugs because Sense 2.0 are ported over from other devices who don't use WIMAX. If you need 4G, don't bother flashing a Sense 2.0 based ROM.
Sense 3.0 - Currently there are two leaks that feature Sense 3.0, Kingdom (Evo 3D) and the Sensation leak. The Kingdom leak is the best bet as of now because it has both Android 2.3.3 and Sense 3.0 WITH WORKING 4G! The problem is that it was made for a 3D device so there are bugs that need to be ironed out.
Here are some general guidelines to follow:
If you want stability, stick with a Sense 1.0 ROMs.
If you want to experiment and can do without 4G or don't have 4G in your area, try a Sense 2.0 ROM.
Sense 3.0 is in no way ready for daily use without major bugs.
When picking your Sense ROM from the Android Developer section, make sure you read the titles and the Original Post (OP) by the author of the thread.
They will tell you what the ROM is based off of.
AOSP ROMs (Vanilla ROMs)
AOSP/Vanilla ROMs do not have Sense and is based off the original Android UI. Sense can limit performance and use certain resources. The following two ROMs should be your starting points for AOSP based ROMs as most of them for the Evo are based off Cyanogen Mod (CM). While these have come a long way for the Evo, some functions aren't working such as 720p video recording.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=956187 CM7 + 4G + HDMI Mirroring
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=915527 MIUI NO 4G
** These have been found to be stable for daily use. Read through each thread to know what is and is not working. There are many other ROMs out there that are in beta that are not listed here. **
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ADB - Android Debug Bridge
A great guide to ADB.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=879701
Common Problems:
Standard Troubleshooting For Many Flashing Problems:
-Try Rebooting. Most problem will be solved this way.
-Was it fine before your Nandroid Backup? If so, restore your backup.
-If you flashed something and are having issues, did you wipe your data/cache/dalvik? If not then do it and reflash.
-If you are still getting problems, the file is most likely corrupt or outdated. Try redownloading and making sure the file is updated for your ROM + Version #
-If the file is updated and NOT corrupt, SEARCH FIRST IN THE FORUMS OR GOOGLE! You will be surprised on the answers you can find in 15 seconds of searching.
-Can't find any solution or workaround? Then make a post in that thread with details of your problems, as well as ROM, Hardware version, Hboot #, error messages, etc.
I am getting a picture of an Evo with a Red ! inside of a triangle HALP!
You mean this?
This means your recovery is not flashed to a custom one such as Amon RA or Clockworks. If you do have one flashed, try hitting VOLUME UP and the POWER button. See if your screen pushes into recovery. If not then you will have to reflash your recovery again.
I am getting a picture of an Evo with a Green arrow with a circle HALP!
You mean this?
This means whatever you just flashed is being updated and you should let it run its course. It will go away after a few minutes and by the time you finish reading this it might be done! If its running for a LONG TIME. Pull your battery and load back into recovery. Wipe your data/cache/dalvik and then reboot again. You might see this screen again but it should run through this time.
I am getting a red ? image what does that mean?
You mean this?
The "WTF" (courtesy of xHausx) icon, it will show that if it gets a bad auto update command or a bad update package. Try to go back into recovery, wipe your data/cache/dalvik and try again.
I am getting a red triangle with an !
You mean this?
The Last one I'm guessing you'll see if there is an error within the recovery itself, I've never seen it be used before. - xHausx
I am getting random Force Closes (FCs) after flashing ****.
Did you wipe your data/cache/dalvik? If not do a Nandroid Restore to the backup you should have done before flashing and then wipe data/cache/dalvik and then reflash. See if you still get a FC. If you do, there might be a problem with whatever it is you flashed with the ROM you are using. Check on the thread you downloaded it from for support.
I am stuck in a boot loop.
If you flashed a new ROM and you are stuck in a bootloop, you probably didn't erase your data/cache/dalvik. Try that and reflash your ROM. This will fix most boot loop issues. If it was from something else, make a post in your respective threads or in Q+A.
I am stuck in a NAND Backup! Lots of "..............."
Pull your battery and restart the backup. You might also want to erase the NAND backup that failed by going to your respective NANDROID backup folder on your SD card.
My 4G isn't connecting and I'm in a 4G city.
Enable your 4G radio. Go to Menu > Settings > Wireless & Networks and look under 4G. If you see Scanning... > Connecting to Sprint > Authorizing > Scanning and it keeps repeating, you might have lost your RSA keys. Go back to your home screen, hit Menu > Settings > About phone > Hardware Information > 4G MAC Address. Does it say 00:16:08:00:24:05? If not you are fine and probably don't have a strong enough signal. 4G doesn't penetrate as well as 3G because there isn't that much signal saturation. Also because 4G runs on a higher frequency than 3G and therefore doesn't penetrate as well. (kudos to for reminding me nuformzdesign) If so, you lost your MAC address. Now you need to check if you have your RSA keys.
Go to the Market and download RSA Key Checker by joeykrim. Use this to see if you still have your RSA keys.
If you still have your RSA keys and only need to fix your MAC address IF it is 00:16:08:00:24:05. Go here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=715525
If you lost your RSA keys, there is a restore method but I am not sure if it works. At this point it is your only choice beside returning it to Sprint.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=936945&highlight=RSA
OK. That didn't work. What do I need to do before I return this to Sprint?
Unroot your phone using the method above. Return it to Sprint, and tell them you can't connect to 4G and continue playing dumb. Say that you turned it off and turned it back on and no 4G. Also make sure you remove your SD card. If their tech is smart, he will look for signs of root like busybox or SU. So just keep it simple and take your SD card out and give them your phone.
I still have my RSA keys and my MAC address but I still can't connect to 4G.
Go to Menu > Settings > Update Phone > Update Profile. Also do Update PRL. Reboot your phone and try to connect again. If you can't go to Menu > Settings > Wireless & Networks. Look under 4G and see if it just gets stuck on Scanning and does NOTHING else. If it does, are you underclocking/undervolting? If so you might have been too aggressive. Revert back to a stock kernel. Check to see if you get your 4G back.
My 4G takes forever to connect. What can I do?
Take a look through this. What this does is basically make your phone check every 15 seconds instead of 300 seconds. Which is why your 4G takes forever to connect when you know you have a strong signal. Be warned however as this will cause your phone to die faster when 4G is on. Or you can update to 3.70.651.1. It has a "widget" that allows you to manually reconnect.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=726877
My USB port/SD Card is not found or not working. What can I do?
Go through this post.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=695243
Also this happened to me once because I unplugged in disk drive mode and I couldn't access anything on my SD card. I reconnected it to my PC in disk drive mode and then ejected the drive from Windows. This restored functionality.
I am a MAC user and I downloaded ____'s ROM and it doesn't work.
Macs will recompress the file. Use Firefox to download and make sure it doesn't recompress the file. It should work then. Either that or use a Windows based PC.
I tried to NANDROID BACKUP and I got an error message saying "Run 'nandroid-moble.sh' via adb!"
Your SD card is full. Mount your phone in recovery using the USB-MS option (Amon-RA) and clear off your SD card. Your Nandroid Backup folder is called nandroid (Amon-RA). Move that to your PC.
I see these weird multi-colored lines that look like static. Is something wrong?
This is a very common issue that happens to a lot of people. You don't need to worry. Nothing is wrong. Sometimes it will persist after you flash a ROM. Restarting your phone will fix the issue. It will always come up when flashing a ROM or restarting. However it won't impede you from using your phone. So the bottom line, don't worry about it.
Very Helpful SHould Be Stickied!
Thanks. Did this in one sitting. Going to add more as time goes on with what I see a lot of being asked here.
stickied stay on topic. @OP ball is in your court. good job
Thank you for this! There have been a few tweaks to some of the root and unroot methods/guides...nice to have them in one place
I have a question. I rooted my phone using these 2 web pages http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=765496, http://www.thedroiddemos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7, which are pretty much the same while i watched the videos djrez has on how to root the evo. I just noticed those 2 threads were posted a while back. Does that mean i should root my evo again using your method?
LuvThyMetal said:
I have a question. I rooted my phone using these 2 web pages http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=765496, http://www.thedroiddemos.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=7, which are pretty much the same while i watched the videos djrez has on how to root the evo. I just noticed those 2 threads were posted a while back. Does that mean i should root my evo again using your method?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are rooted already, you do not need to update your Root method. You only need to update your ROM.
sekigah84 said:
If you are rooted already, you do not need to update your Root method. You only need to update your ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. Are you talking about the recovery Rom? Sorry I'm new to this stuff
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
LuvThyMetal said:
Thank you. Are you talking about the recovery Rom? Sorry I'm new to this stuff
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. Recovery is different from a ROM. A ROM would be the equivalent to the flavor of OS you are using. Whether it be CM6, Ava v10, Myn's ROM. Look under the Android Development section and go through some of the posts labeled as [ROM]. They have screen shots of the ROM's appearance and some have videos of their use and features.
Some just change the appearance, others increase performance, include apps such as Swype and Hulu, and some change it back to vanilla/ASOP which is a non-Sense ROM that goes back to the traditional Android OS.
sekigah84 said:
No. Recovery is different from a ROM. A ROM would be the equivalent to the flavor of OS you are using. Whether it be CM6, Ava v10, Myn's ROM. Look under the Android Development section and go through some of the posts labeled as [ROM]. They have screen shots of the ROM's appearance and some have videos of their use and features.
Some just change the appearance, others increase performance, include apps such as Swype and Hulu, and some change it back to vanilla/ASOP which is a non-Sense ROM that goes back to the traditional Android OS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh Haha I feel dumb now. Thanks a lot this clears my confusion. Is there any roms you would recommend. I'm using standard android OS, at least I think so :S
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
LuvThyMetal said:
Oh Haha I feel dumb now. Thanks a lot this clears my confusion. Is there any roms you would recommend. I'm using standard android OS, at least I think so :S
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What your phone originally came with is called Sense. If it looks anything like it, its a Sense ROM. Original OS looks like the Nexus. As for recommended apps, its hard to say. Everyone has their own preferences so many people flash a ton of different ROM's to find one they like. I personally like Sense so I flash a deodex stock rooted ROM and then proceed to flash themes and remove bloatware with custom kernels.
Just remember to make a Nandroid backup. And then try different ROM's out. Be careful when flashing WIMAX radios. You might lose 4G permanently.
sekigah84 said:
What your phone originally came with is called Sense. If it looks anything like it, its a Sense ROM. Original OS looks like the Nexus. As for recommended apps, its hard to say. Everyone has their own preferences so many people flash a ton of different ROM's to find one they like. I personally like Sense so I flash a deodex stock rooted ROM and then proceed to flash themes and remove bloatware with custom kernels.
Just remember to make a Nandroid backup. And then try different ROM's out. Be careful when flashing WIMAX radios. You might lose 4G permanently.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh okay yea then I'm using sense Rom not the originally Android OS. To do a nandroid back up isn't that when you hold volume down and power button? I have no idea what kernel is. I'm kinda scared trying new roms cuz I've never tried it before, I definitely don't want to lose 4G that would suck
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Good job thanks for this will be really helpful for me and everyone
LuvThyMetal said:
Oh okay yea then I'm using sense Rom not the originally Android OS. To do a nandroid back up isn't that when you hold volume down and power button? I have no idea what kernel is. I'm kinda scared trying new roms cuz I've never tried it before, I definitely don't want to lose 4G that would suck
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes and no. You hold VOLUME DOWN and POWER to get to bootloader. From there you go to Recovery. Then in Recovery, you will see an option for Nandroid/Nandroid Backup. You make it there.
Losing 4G is thought to be caused by flashing WIMAX radio updates. Kernels should be fine. I lost 4G connectivity because I underclocked too much. ROM's like CM6 just don't support 4G, not that you will lose 4G. AVA's ROM is fine, same with a few others. If you NANDROID back up you should be fine against 99% of the problems out there.
sekigah84 said:
Yes and no. You hold VOLUME DOWN and POWER to get to bootloader. From there you go to Recovery. Then in Recovery, you will see an option for Nandroid/Nandroid Backup. You make it there.
Losing 4G is thought to be caused by flashing WIMAX radio updates. Kernels should be fine. I lost 4G connectivity because I underclocked too much. ROM's like CM6 just don't support 4G, not that you will lose 4G. AVA's ROM is fine, same with a few others. If you NANDROID back up you should be fine against 99% of the problems out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, a Nandroid backup should be easy then. I was thinking it was when you save all the files in your SD card to your computer by selecting all and saving on desktop or something but nvm I understand now.
I guess I just have to be really careful when I flash a Rom.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
LuvThyMetal said:
Thanks man, a Nandroid backup should be easy then. I was thinking it was when you save all the files in your SD card to your computer by selecting all and saving on desktop or something but nvm I understand now.
I guess I just have to be really careful when I flash a Rom.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad I could help. Like you said. Be careful when flashing and follow all instructions from the devs. You should be fine. I never bricked a phone but I did end up losing my RSA keys for 4G so I had to get a replacement.
Hi everyone. First of all I'm using hardware version 0003. My Baseband is 2.15.00.09.01. Software number 3.30.651.3. Is it possible for me to root this Evo? Please help!!!
Great job on the guide sekigah84! I have update the Universal root so it now works with the 2.02 hboot

A new guy's stupid questions:

Please be patient with me, I'm new to the entire smartphone era.
I've spent the last week or so scouring these forums deciding what I can and cannot do with my brand new Epic. What I unfortunately was unable to find were directions put into laymans terms as exactly how to properly flash your phone (I am still even unsure as to the correct terminology for many things). When I read the wiki and the forums I'm lost about a paragraph in.
It would be incredibly appreciated if any of you had tips for a new person to these forums and to this lifestyle itself. I'd love to know how to properly modify my phone without breaking it (and not feel like I'm reading a medical dictionary). When/if I do mod my phone, I'd like to know how to go about restoring it should I for whatever reason need to take it in to the extremely... helpful.. Sprint store here in my area. I'm pretty quick to learn and as I said, I'd really love if someone willing to be patient with me would explain to me the ins and outs I would need to know to take advantage of my phones capabilities.
Well most roms now use ext4 filesystem instead of RFS (default) so you have to install Clockwork Mod 3 which will auto convert it
CWM3 directions:
Download Here
On phone go to applications -> development -> usb debugging (turn on)
plug phone into usb port, run the run.bat from the CWM folder (it might say something like restart server and wait for phone to reconnect i generally just close the window and run the run.bat again then it'll mount as r/w and install)
Then after your phone reboots transfer any ec05 ext4 rom to your sdcard, i suggest This one.
After that turn off your phone completely.
Hold volume down, camera button, power. This will boot into clockworkmod.
CWM will backup all data, format, then restore the data... it'll take a few minutes.
Now if you want to start fresh click wipe data / wipe cache and also go to advanced/wipe dalvic cache. If you want to keep all your apps just proceed to the next step
go to Install from sdcard, browse sdcard for the rom.zip, select it, let it do its magic, after its done go back to the main menu, reboot system, and you're done
EDIT: Cwm controls -> volume up/down to naviage, Power = back, Camera = select. I think you can also use the keyboard arrows and stuff but i find it easier using the buttons
I think you should start him with cw2.5 instead of 3.0. 3.0 will brick his phone unless he is ready to flash a rom right alway!!
Those directions are much easier to follow.
What are the negatives to doing this to your phone (besides the ultimate brick)? Would doing this allow me to give my phone the ability to hotspot it?
How would I go about restoring it should I not like Syndicate and wish to return to stock?
OmegaMateria said:
Those directions are much easier to follow.
What are the negatives to doing this to your phone (besides the ultimate brick)? Would doing this allow me to give my phone the ability to hotspot it?
How would I go about restoring it should I not like Syndicate and wish to return to stock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I was you I wouldn't be in such a rush to flash a rom. Root first and take from there. It took me a whole month to flash a rom before I felt comfortable with the terminology. Catch up on some reading first
hi I also am still new to this even though i flashed my phone at least a 100 times and got my buddys epic rooted i followed this forum http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=798067. they did a great job with links to get cwm2.5 and also the adb files. so when you root your phone the computer will find your phone. One thing that did keep me held up for a while was when you have your phone in debug mode. connect the phone to the usb. but do not press connect on your phone. hope this helps some. I spent about 3 long days reading and gathering everything before trying and like a day and a half trying.
shook187 said:
If I was you I wouldn't be in such a rush to flash a rom. Root first and take from there. It took me a whole month to flash a rom before I felt comfortable with the terminology. Catch up on some reading first
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're probably very right.
What permissions does rooting get me? To root my phone I should use clockwork or something different? If so, you suggested 3.0 and someone else 2.5. Opinions on both for a newbie?
shook187 said:
I think you should start him with cw2.5 instead of 3.0. 3.0 will brick his phone unless he is ready to flash a rom right alway!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No such thing will occur. He might get it into a position of where he can only use odin but certainly not a brick. I have heard of only 1 person bricking their phone in 6 mths and that was a dev cuz he was messing with the bootloader. Jump in at your own pace.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
OmegaMateria said:
You're probably very right.
What permissions does rooting get me? To root my phone I should use clockwork or something different? If so, you suggested 3.0 and someone else 2.5. Opinions on both for a newbie?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never suggested 3.0, I would do 2.5. 3.0 Requires you to flash a rom cause it won't boot without a rom. If you use 3.0 without flushing a rom, you'll get stuck at the samsung screen.
shook187 said:
I never suggested 3.0, I would do 2.5. 3.0 Requires you to flash a rom cause it won't boot without a rom. If you use 3.0 without flushing a rom, you'll get stuck at the samsung screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, my mistake!!
I'll check out 2.5. Anything I should know about rooting in general?
OmegaMateria said:
Sorry, my mistake!!
I'll check out 2.5. Anything I should know about rooting in general?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main thing which you already mention is the free wireless tether.
CWM 2.5.5 = the RFS root method. You can use it to install EC05 roms that have RFS support
It allows you to run programs with superuser... such as wifi tether, wireless tether, titanium backup, root explorer... thats about it for the basic user
If you want tweaks/fixes what you want is a custom rom... most all will have
Call log fix (remove the sms notifications from in your call log), Kernel fixes/updates/added features, deodexed, zipaligned, custom boot animations, voodoo audio/color, custom touchwiz, etc..
You wont brick your phone regardless, but if you do it exactly as i typed you wont have any problems either . The reason you want to put a rom on your sdcard before you boot into CWM3 is so you can flash a compatible rom that has a ext4 kernel...
EDIT: and regarding the negatives, well you wont brick your phone unless say your battery dies as you flash it... The ext4 non-journaled will actually make your phone last longer over the RFS system. The only thing I can think of is the root method removes the Free HD games and Asphalt 5 Demo which the official OTA updates check for when u get them. Doesn't matter though because you can update your rom through CWM anyways lol.
About positives, atleast for me: Longer battery life, faster phone, less annoying bugs, sexy look, custom boot/shutdown, free wifi tether/wired tether, automatic backups set every night at 5am.
I went straight to cwm 3.0.0.6 as a noob but I must have read 1000 posts in various forums regarding root, the file system(s), custom software/ROMs/kernels. The key is read post after post about where others have had issues until you no longer come accross any new issues. Then you know what you are getting into. Just remeber, glitches can occur and during flashing, there are writes that have no error checking and sometimes require a reflash at best and a system restore at worst. It comes with the territory. It is unlikely you will brick your device as long as you are careful to follow insructions, although the reality is (no matter how many times you hear how safe it is) that there is a very very slight chance that a glitch while using software such as odin could send you back to the Sprint store for a new one. Its exceedingly rare, though.
The small risk was worth getting the phone that I wanted originally - instant responsivness, access to every customization and dev. level control of the hardware (free tethering!) - everything runs better - games,browsers,vids (look better and sound better), music sounds better, etc. Etc. There are some seriously talented devs. here. If you decide to take the plunge, check out k0's ACS Frozen ROM and mysteryEmotionz (sp?) Theme(s). When you go from stock to those, you can't help but wonder WTF sprint and samsung are thinking. Yeah, its that good.
Good luck!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
blu9987 said:
CWM 2.5.5 = the RFS root method. You can use it to install EC05 roms that have RFS support
It allows you to run programs with superuser... such as wifi tether, wireless tether, titanium backup, root explorer... thats about it for the basic user
If you want tweaks/fixes what you want is a custom rom... most all will have
Call log fix (remove the sms notifications from in your call log), Kernel fixes/updates/added features, deodexed, zipaligned, custom boot animations, voodoo audio/color, custom touchwiz, etc..
You wont brick your phone regardless, but if you do it exactly as i typed you wont have any problems either . The reason you want to put a rom on your sdcard before you boot into CWM3 is so you can flash a compatible rom that has a ext4 kernel...
EDIT: and regarding the negatives, well you wont brick your phone unless say your battery dies as you flash it... The ext4 non-journaled will actually make your phone last longer over the RFS system. The only thing I can think of is the root method removes the Free HD games and Asphalt 5 Demo which the official OTA updates check for when u get them. Doesn't matter though because you can update your rom through CWM anyways lol.
About positives, atleast for me: Longer battery life, faster phone, less annoying bugs, sexy look, custom boot/shutdown, free wifi tether/wired tether, automatic backups set every night at 5am.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I went into the run.bat file in the one click root and removed the 2 lines that give the command to delete the free hd games demo and asphalt 5 demo. Ran the one click root, and I still have those 2 installed on my phone. Beats having to reinstall them again in the future and preventing an update because of the missing apps.
Tirregius said:
I went straight to cwm 3.0.0.6 as a noob but I must have read 1000 posts in various forums regarding root, the file system(s), custom software/ROMs/kernels. The key is read post after post about where others have had issues until you no longer come accross any new issues. Then you know what you are getting into. Just remeber, glitches can occur and during flashing, there are writes that have no error checking and sometimes require a reflash at best and a system restore at worst. It comes with the territory. It is unlikely you will brick your device as long as you are careful to follow insructions, although the reality is (no matter how many times you hear how safe it is) that there is a very very slight chance that a glitch while using software such as odin could send you back to the Sprint store for a new one. Its exceedingly rare, though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I've spent the entire week when not at work reading about it to see if it's worth it. I have a hard time following the directions I find though because they're normally written for experienced folks and not beginners.
Apart from Rooting it (as explained very well earlier) I still have no clue about flashing, how it works, or how to do it. Nor do I want to just fiddle around with it and break it. I can't find a good guide on ODIN or backing up that I can understand comfortably enough to risk flashing my phone so I'm kindof at a loss.
Go on YouTube and search "randyshear". He has step by step videos for pretty much everything. Makes it easy
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
OmegaMateria said:
Yeah I've spent the entire week when not at work reading about it to see if it's worth it. I have a hard time following the directions I find though because they're normally written for experienced folks and not beginners.
Apart from Rooting it (as explained very well earlier) I still have no clue about flashing, how it works, or how to do it. Nor do I want to just fiddle around with it and break it. I can't find a good guide on ODIN or backing up that I can understand comfortably enough to risk flashing my phone so I'm kindof at a loss.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was the same way and to some degree still am. What I did was read and read. I read the WIKI several times realizing that a lot of it was written for someone more experienced than I. I also read how to restore a bricked device and return to stock a few times. I installed everything to return to stock on my PC so if I had a failure I already had my path back to working stock. I went to CM 2 just to get some experience. Then I went for it to CM 3 and Syndicate 1.0 and have been incredibly happy that I did.
Also know that terms like brick are used a lot but is then followed up with my phone will do this or that. In the definitions a brick is literally as good as a brick for a phone. The term is used way too much incorrectly so don't let that scare you. You will see when reading that there are only a few things to do if there is a problem. Frequently you will read to re download the files or use a different cable or USB port. If you keep reading you will become more comfortable with your ability to find the answers if there is a problem because there are people on here that seem to take great joy in helping people like you and I out and they have the experience and knowledge to help.
Trust me ... keep reading and searching and you will start to put the pieces together. Don't be discouraged. If you are really interested in this stuff, you WILL get there.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
Definitely agree with JohnCorleone, Randyshear has a ton of very good youtube vids. Helpful with rooting also with picking a ROM. Just to add my two-cents. The "epic cookbook" http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=967014...Helped me over and over again. alot of info, without alot of scavenging throughout threads. Good luck
There is no need to flash a rom right off the bat. Rooting with one click will give you a good jumping point. I would one click root to cw3 let it convert to ext4 then do a backup. Use titanium backup to remove all the junk bloatware.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

[Q] SKYRAIDER 4.0 clicked fix permissions mistake.

Hey,
I just cant help but messing with a good thing. I flashed skyraider 4.0 on sunday, restored all my apps with the free titanium takes a long time, and all was good. I got bored today within rom manager i clicked fix permissions, i rebooted everything was a gone, it was bare. I panicked restored my ATHENA ROM. can i fix this mess without the drawn out restoration.
I am slightly new but sometimes I cant just be HAPPY please help.
i have the fixed permissions file if that helps
Wrong forum, should be in Q&A... Fix permissions isn't bad, it fixes file permissions to help with Force Closing issues among other things. I use it when flashing new ROMs most of the time. When you say everything is gone, do you mean all of your apps, widgets, were you getting force closes for any applications or any other type of errors...?
no i was not gettining FC's, everything was fine, I just dont know how to leave well enough alone., and . basically once it rebooted my apps were gone, and everything I had set up since i flashed the rom was back to the way it was on sunday before I got my settings in order etc. so should I move this post I am new to XDA and dont want to anger anybody
No, don't worry about moving it, as the Moderator has to move it. They'll do it, and no one is nor will be pissed. I was just pointing it out for future reference. You could try restoring everything again, maybe setting up a couple things, and then do a reboot to see what happens. That way you'll make sure that you don't go through all that trouble just to have it act up.
I am running SR 4.0 too, and haven't had any issues like that. Did you install this ROM via ROM Manager or download the flashable .zip file? I recommend the flashable .zip, as that way you can do a Factory/User Data Reset and clear the Dalvik Cache before flashing. I've had issues with installations of ROM's through ROM Manager, but everything else it can do I haven't had any issues with.
I did it through Rom manager, I have never done it or to be honest dont know how to do i with a flashable .zip. And I really would not mind learning how. Honestly the hour long app restoration is what really drives me nuts. Like i said i have the titanium free version I do have my backup pro but never used it. any help would be appreciated
Okay, here’s how to flash a ROM via ClockworkMod Recovery. You’ll need to download the zip from here. Save this to your computer, as it is a large file. Then transfer this to the root of the SD Card. If you create or put it into an existing folder that is on your SD Card, remember that folder’s name.
To boot into recovery, hold down the Power button until the menu pops up, select Reboot, select Recovery. It should now begin to boot you into CWM Recovery.
NOTE FOR RECOVERY: The track pad is used to scroll up and down, and so is the Volume Up/Down. To select an item, physically push down on the track pad. To go backwards, one of the two following may need to be done: If while scrolling up/down you see down by the wording BACK MENU BUTTON ENABLED under where it says ClockworkMod Recovery v3.0.0.8, that means to back out of a folder/screen you have to scroll down to Go Back and press down on the track pad. If you don’t get the message about the Back Menu Button Enabled, then the Power Button is used. If you try using the Power Button when Back Menu Button Enabled shows up, it is like press down on the track pad (like hitting Enter), and you may accidentally do something. Just a warning!
NOTE TWO: The main recovery screen has at the top the menu to Reboot System Now.
1. Scroll down to Wipe data/factory reset, press track pad, scroll to Yes, press track pad. Some users repeat this step two or three times, just to make sure everything gets wiped.
2. Scroll down to Advanced, press track pad, scroll to Wipe Dalvik Cache, press track pad, scroll to Yes, press track pad.
3. Now you’re ready to flash the zip downloaded earlier. Go back to the main recovery screen (see notes above). Scroll down to the location of the zip file, named SkyRaider_40_Release.zip unless it was changed when you saved it. Once you’ve highlighted it, press the track pad, scroll to Yes, press the track pad. This will begin the installation.
When it’s complete, it’ll let you know, so all you should have to do is scroll up to Reboot System Now, press the track pad to reboot the phone. It may take five to ten minutes at first boot, just FYI.
That’s flashing a zip, and this same thing applies to themes, modifications (like transparent app drawers, things like that), and custom kernels. Now flashing a ROM it is always recommended that you Wipe Data/Factory Reset and Dalvik. For themes, you don’t need to do those steps, just select install zip file and scroll to the theme’s zip file. For kernels, Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik are highly recommended. The Developers for the item you’re downloading are good with explaining what to do.
Hope this quick write up helps! Questions, ask! Good luck!
I use Titanium Backup (paid version) to restore apps (only the app, not app and data as that can cause issue). It is a pain, but I've done it so much that I am just used to it. You'll need to reconfigure most things: accounts, usernames/passwords, widgets just to name a few. My screens aren't set up real crazy, so it's not too bad.
I've never used My Backup Pro, so maybe someone else can comment on that, or you can post a question on how it works in the Q&A section...someone should be able to provide some basic info for you.
When switching roms I also like to do a few additional wipes in addition to what you mentioned, just for good measure. Wipe cache in main menu and also format system, boot, data, and cache.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
Hey thank you guys FOR being so helpful and patient, I'm going to follow directions and report back to you. Again thanks a ton.
Shawn
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA Premium App
Again, no problem! Good luck, and it looks like it's a lot of info, but once you get going you'll realize it's not bad at all!
If you have questions, just ask!
wow lot of time
I must have not been patient enough. I just could not get 4.0 to boot. It looped, stuck at HTC incredible screen, i couldnt sleep i got all worried. Finally I ended up with CM7.0.2.1. Any opinion one way or another in terms of what I may be missing out on and or gaining with the cyanomod rom?
Just depends on your preferences as far as sense vs aosp. CM7 is pretty much unrivaled as far as customization and seems to perform better as its more "lean" than sense roms. Also consider gingerbread vs froyo..
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
gingerbread vs. froyo
I rooted after I the Froyo 2.2 OTA I guess that is what i still have. Should I have moved past that by this time. I bought this incredible the day it was unveiled 4/19/2010. PC richards took a picture of me it was goofy. I did not know what I was in for. And I guess I still dont. should I be looking at my next device yet or is the OG incredible still the goods for a bit. I appreciate u sharing your knowledge, and understand if you have Droids to save out there.
Thank you
Sean
As far as phones go, I think the original incredible still is holding its own quite well against the newer phones. If you're in an area that gets 4g and would have use for the increased speeds, I could see that as a reason for possibly upgrading. For me personally 3g is just fine, I can't really think of any way that its holding me back. Aside from 4g, the newer phones coming out on Verizon like the incredible 2 and Droid charge don't really offer a whole lot that the original Inc doesn't but I guess it just depends on what you want to do with your phone. I don't have much use for a front facing camera for example.
The newer phones do have bigger screens, like 4" or 4.3" compared to the original incredible's 3.7, but that also brings increased overall size and weight, as well as battery usage. Aside from that, the Inc 2 does have a bit more ram, but in real world usage I doubt there's an appreciable difference.
All in all, I would wait until dual core processors and 1gb RAM is kind of a standard thing. By the time I'm eligible for an upgrade I'm guessing/hoping this will be the case (upgrade mid-late 2012).
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
MyBackup Root is what I use; it's been good, it has 1 click app+data restore if wanted (I use it every time and nothing bad happened yet, 20-30 flashes later)
thanks again, new problem with CM7
Thanks again.
I did it again i have another post i did something wrong on the adwex settings and i get force close everytime now cant even get into the settings to chaange anything i backed up and restored to skyraider so i could use the phone. i did post a thread. I have no clue what to do at this point i liked the CM7 but downloaded ADWex and some themes and again just FC so i cant do anything I wish I knew more about this. I am going to end up killing this phone.
Thanks hope all is well.

[Q] Safe way to take ZVD update and not break anything

Hello,
When I woke up a few moments ago I noticed that a system update icon was in my notification bar, which I assume is the new ZVD update and right now my phone is on ZVC and is stock rooted using ioroot25 and I have TWRP 2.7.0.0 AND download mode both working thanks to AutoRec and everything is working fine but it was a difficult getting to this point because I was one of the early adopters of the AutoRec method and I had to to go back to stock and re-tot my phone numerous times to get root, recovery, & download mode all 3 working on my phone without issue.
Now that the ZVD update is waiting to be downloaded on my phone I do not want to have to go through all this stuff again nor do I want to lose anything I have on my phone currently so I would like to ask what is the recommended / safest way to install this update so that I can keep root, recovery, and download mode all 3 and not lose any of my data at the same time ?
Of course, I want to also make sure that this does not mess up my phone like the white screen issue some people had when using AutoRec on the Sprint version of the G2 or other issues so what are my choices and thanks in advance for any and all replies.
MTCell
You won't be able to until they fix the update. Even just root will lock the system on the update.
Only safe way right now is to tot back to stock zvc, take the update. Root with ioroot25. If you want recovery, you can use auto-rec and then flash dorimax kernel. Which has the zvd knock code in it.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
secret.animal said:
You won't be able to until they fix the update. Even just root will lock the system on the update.
Only safe way right now is to tot back to stock zvc, take the update. Root with ioroot25. If you want recovery, you can use auto-rec and then flash dorimax kernel. Which has the zvd knock code in it.
Sent from my LG-LS980 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also have a similar issue as the OP. I am currently rooted, stock rom. ZVD update has downloaded and is ready to install. However, what would be the nessesary steps to take prior to updating my phone? I dont care if I have to re-root again. I rooted me device using IOroot25. How can I unroot?
Thanks!
Supersu has the option to unroot permanently. Doing a full unroot. Weather the system accepts that, I'm not sure.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
secret.animal said:
...Only safe way right now is to tot back to stock zvc...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But, reflashing the ZVC tot will erase all data, correct?
jlv3 said:
But, reflashing the ZVC tot will erase all data, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, complete everything. Data, pictures, documents, downloads.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
mtcellph said:
Hello,
When I woke up a few moments ago I noticed that a system update icon was in my notification bar, which I assume is the new ZVD update and right now my phone is on ZVC and is stock rooted using ioroot25 and I have TWRP 2.7.0.0 AND download mode both working thanks to AutoRec and everything is working fine but it was a difficult getting to this point because I was one of the early adopters of the AutoRec method and I had to to go back to stock and re-tot my phone numerous times to get root, recovery, & download mode all 3 working on my phone without issue.
Now that the ZVD update is waiting to be downloaded on my phone I do not want to have to go through all this stuff again nor do I want to lose anything I have on my phone currently so I would like to ask what is the recommended / safest way to install this update so that I can keep root, recovery, and download mode all 3 and not lose any of my data at the same time ?
Of course, I want to also make sure that this does not mess up my phone like the white screen issue some people had when using AutoRec on the Sprint version of the G2 or other issues so what are my choices and thanks in advance for any and all replies.
MTCell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From what i understand , you will need a stock ZVC recovery and boot loader to apply the update. if you have any modification done in ROM (debloat/deleting/modifying system files) then the update might not complete.
So flash stock aboot(bootloader), recovery and kernel and then only apply the update.
TOT reflash is too cumbersome process and requires lot of restoration of apps setting etc.
I have same situation and am searching for stock files from ZVC. Please if any one has these stock file please do share.
Cheers
Phuq! I wish I read these forums more frequently.
Hey all,
Okay now, let me begin this horror story by say what I think needs to be said first and foremost.
"No matter your level of knowledge, there is always something new for you to learn."
With that being said, I phuqed up!!
I had my dream setup running almost perfectly. I mean heavily modded. Stock kitkat 4.4.2. from Sprint so I didnt have to upgrade anything. I rooted via .apk file. I autorec'd TWRP recovery. I first flashed a furnace kernel that gave me 2.49GHz overclock. And added in xdabebs cam mod. And loved it. I kept reading and researching. I found more goodies to play with. I install xposed framework and some useful add-in's. I find some old apps I love, like hide softkeys, and several quick launchers like pie control, and gestures. I eventually find D's kernel and was elated! 2.8GHz, whoopee! (although I have seen someone @3GHz.)
After about a weeks worth of additions, and stupid auto-updates from google play (omfg they take up so much room) I got that dreaded icon in my notifications bar that Im out of room!!!! Stupid phuq'n non Korean model phones! (I feel that is hella racist of LG to show their people love and phuq us over with no external memory support. We should arrange a class action law suit. Thats purposely shaping the market favorably in your region, and selling obsolete hardware to the rest of the world. "shameful behavior LG")
So to remedy the space issue, I go through my most painful, and totally ridiculous ritual of removing "my" bloatware. All the launchers that I dont really NEED or use OFTEN. The apps that are convenient to have , but that convenience is never utilized. Or its rarely needed. And that helped me out about say, oh 200mb.
DAMN IT! need more room! Need room now!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Okay so a few Big boys had to go. So I dumped a game or two, and the 2nd OS I forgot about on my device, Kali Linux. That gave me the much needed room. I gained about 4GB back. Cool beans, I figure before I do any new major changing of this phone I will force myself to make room for backups, ON device! :angel:
Well that didnt pan out. Instead I did one better, (I thought) I chose to back up on device, then rip it to my PC. Cool , it has the space for storing crap like that..
"ahh, life and its inevitable bullshnikeys"
BAM!! a day or so later, my PC froze, in the middle of a gnarly drift. Crap, restart, checks disk , fixes one error, bam froze again, "ah shiz, I need to back up my back ups!" checks disk, a few errors , I have seen worse. I got it up and running then, ZZZzzzzrrrrttt! NOOOoooooooh! So the PC goes down hard. No HDD found style.
So I reach for my G2 to take a much needed brake on the throne and plan somethings out. I sit down, hit the pwr button, and my phone was in TWRP! Odd I think to myself, and proceed to reboot. TWRP! look through settings, look for anything new on the sdcard (internal) nothing. So I power it down and turn it back on. TWRP! Furious!
Now Im at defcon5 using my LIVE OS, BT5r3 KDE, and decided to hear back into the XDA jungle to see what might have happened.
I got the update for ZVD it would seem. And it bit me in the ass at the worst time. I do not have the Android drivers that the phone installs to the PC installed and configured because I cant cycle into Android OS. Im seriously stuck in TWRP mode. I managed to get into download mode once after trying for 20minutes to do so. ( I need to practice that) But for no avail, I couldnt configure/install/set anything up that would have allowed me to communicate with the phone.
Im so very tired and stressed. Normally I would throw this crap away and go back to my trusty and (IMO) more stylish motorola RZRv3, but its battery is like a joke with its 3 minute, PERIOD life time. SMH
So now I come before you, alone, tired, confused, and depressed, (I do not, like reinstalling anything, ever, in anything.) I just really dont want to hit that brick wall (pardon the pun) an know I have to, ahem, configure, so many apps that I enjoy using. All because I lost my recovery.
What is it about the recovery file that makes the option for keeping your user installed apps, achievable, versus the wack (not even an option at all) choice of having to wipe everything and start over? Because (IMO) that is in no way, a recover. Thats a fumble, oh, interception. Thats dropping the ball. If you waste all the space for "backing things up" then something happens, and you still have to completely wipe the IMPORTANT stuff!! Whats the point?
I have found and installed on this VB PC running windows 7 non sp1, x86-
LG Flashtool 1.8.1.1023
LG-Mobile-Driver v 3.8.1
adt-bundle-windows-x86-20140702
adbpush
LG PC Suite (that just serves no purpose other than to annoy me by not working WITH my phone)
I have downloaded the .dll for MY phone for Flashtool
I found and downloaded the 45475791e80904201311e1051ea628c3b98eef87.LS980ZVC_12-LS980ZVD_19_update from sprint
I have downloaded CloudyG3_1.2 and cm-11-20140623-nightly-ls980
What can I do to attempt to simply boot back into my android.
and if there is no option for simply restoring the functionality of the devices previous state,
what ROM/OS do you suggest I shove in this brick or what method should I use to punch the life back into my phone?
Im dyin ova eeeah!!!
Thanks in advance,
Orcinus
ZVD bit me too-not sure how, NEVER told it to install
adamant_orcinus said:
Hey all,
Okay now, let me begin this horror story by say what I think needs to be said first and foremost.
"No matter your level of knowledge, there is always something new for you to learn."
With that being said, I phuqed up!!
I had my dream setup running almost perfectly. I mean heavily modded. Stock kitkat 4.4.2. from Sprint so I didnt have to upgrade anything. I rooted via .apk file. I autorec'd TWRP recovery. I first flashed a furnace kernel that gave me 2.49GHz overclock. And added in xdabebs cam mod. And loved it. I kept reading and researching. I found more goodies to play with. I install xposed framework and some useful add-in's. I find some old apps I love, like hide softkeys, and several quick launchers like pie control, and gestures. I eventually find D's kernel and was elated! 2.8GHz, whoopee! (although I have seen someone @3GHz.)
After about a weeks worth of additions, and stupid auto-updates from google play (omfg they take up so much room) I got that dreaded icon in my notifications bar that Im out of room!!!! Stupid phuq'n non Korean model phones! (I feel that is hella racist of LG to show their people love and phuq us over with no external memory support. We should arrange a class action law suit. Thats purposely shaping the market favorably in your region, and selling obsolete hardware to the rest of the world. "shameful behavior LG")
So to remedy the space issue, I go through my most painful, and totally ridiculous ritual of removing "my" bloatware. All the launchers that I dont really NEED or use OFTEN. The apps that are convenient to have , but that convenience is never utilized. Or its rarely needed. And that helped me out about say, oh 200mb.
DAMN IT! need more room! Need room now!! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
Okay so a few Big boys had to go. So I dumped a game or two, and the 2nd OS I forgot about on my device, Kali Linux. That gave me the much needed room. I gained about 4GB back. Cool beans, I figure before I do any new major changing of this phone I will force myself to make room for backups, ON device! :angel:
Well that didnt pan out. Instead I did one better, (I thought) I chose to back up on device, then rip it to my PC. Cool , it has the space for storing crap like that..
"ahh, life and its inevitable bullshnikeys"
BAM!! a day or so later, my PC froze, in the middle of a gnarly drift. Crap, restart, checks disk , fixes one error, bam froze again, "ah shiz, I need to back up my back ups!" checks disk, a few errors , I have seen worse. I got it up and running then, ZZZzzzzrrrrttt! NOOOoooooooh! So the PC goes down hard. No HDD found style.
So I reach for my G2 to take a much needed brake on the throne and plan somethings out. I sit down, hit the pwr button, and my phone was in TWRP! Odd I think to myself, and proceed to reboot. TWRP! look through settings, look for anything new on the sdcard (internal) nothing. So I power it down and turn it back on. TWRP! Furious!
Now Im at defcon5 using my LIVE OS, BT5r3 KDE, and decided to hear back into the XDA jungle to see what might have happened.
I got the update for ZVD it would seem. And it bit me in the ass at the worst time. I do not have the Android drivers that the phone installs to the PC installed and configured because I cant cycle into Android OS. Im seriously stuck in TWRP mode. I managed to get into download mode once after trying for 20minutes to do so. ( I need to practice that) But for no avail, I couldnt configure/install/set anything up that would have allowed me to communicate with the phone.
Im so very tired and stressed. Normally I would throw this crap away and go back to my trusty and (IMO) more stylish motorola RZRv3, but its battery is like a joke with its 3 minute, PERIOD life time. SMH
So now I come before you, alone, tired, confused, and depressed, (I do not, like reinstalling anything, ever, in anything.) I just really dont want to hit that brick wall (pardon the pun) an know I have to, ahem, configure, so many apps that I enjoy using. All because I lost my recovery.
What is it about the recovery file that makes the option for keeping your user installed apps, achievable, versus the wack (not even an option at all) choice of having to wipe everything and start over? Because (IMO) that is in no way, a recover. Thats a fumble, oh, interception. Thats dropping the ball. If you waste all the space for "backing things up" then something happens, and you still have to completely wipe the IMPORTANT stuff!! Whats the point?
I have found and installed on this VB PC running windows 7 non sp1, x86-
LG Flashtool 1.8.1.1023
LG-Mobile-Driver v 3.8.1
adt-bundle-windows-x86-20140702
adbpush
LG PC Suite (that just serves no purpose other than to annoy me by not working WITH my phone)
I have downloaded the .dll for MY phone for Flashtool
I found and downloaded the 45475791e80904201311e1051ea628c3b98eef87.LS980ZVC_12-LS980ZVD_19_update from sprint
I have downloaded CloudyG3_1.2 and cm-11-20140623-nightly-ls980
What can I do to attempt to simply boot back into my android.
and if te youhere is no option for simply restoring the functionality of the devices previous state,
what ROM/OS do you suggest I shove in this brick or what method should I use to punch the life back into my phone?
Im dyin ova eeeah!!!
Thanks in advance,
Orcinus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry Dude, I was in the same spot, maybe I can save you hours of reading. This is what I had to do:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2432476 it's the dreaded tot to zvc

Need S4 Rom advice!

Hello! Pretty new in XDA forum and I have a couple of questions and concerns. I was browsing through some threads and I was wondering if I could get some opinion/help from other members.
I have a second phone that I want to mod and I need some help.
Device: Samsung Galaxy S4 (ROOTED)
Model#: SGH-M919
Android Version: 4.4.4
Baseband: M919UVUFNK2
It's an old phone and lately, it's been running really slow and if possible, I'd like to make it run as if it was brand new or at least somewhat close. So the question is, are there any recommended stable roms/mods I could use and if there are/is, will I be able to use it with my rooted phone or do I have to completely factory reset it before I apply the mods/roms?
Thank you!
Hi @Mr.LinK,
Just yesterday I finally got sick of my M919 slow/battery drain/old stuff and decided it was time for a reset. I was running SlimKat from over a year ago and while it was a great ROM, I had accumulated so much crap that it was getting really bogged down. This just happens over time no matter what OS, no fault to Slim. But I was also looking to move to Lollipop. Here's what I did:
1. Backed up using several methodologies (full backup with TWRP just in case, then from Android I backed stuff up with Helium, and used Backup My Mobile for SMS/MMS etc., an EFS backup just in case, etc..)
2. From within Android, did a factory reset. This sent the phone into recovery, and it formatted the data partition.
3. Rebooted to recovery again, and used TWRP to manually format the media section, just in case something was left there. Then wiped everything except the external SD.
4. Used ODIN to flash the OH3 firmware onto my MDL M919, without letting reboot after (unchecked the reboot checkbox). Pulled battery, rebooted back into download mode again, and flashed OH3 a second time... this gets around some instance people have reported about incomplete upgrades of firmware and all sorts of issues... better safe than sorry.
5. Let phone boot into now 100 % stock OH3 Android 4.4.4. YEEEUKKK. Some part of me thought I would just root the thing and get rid of Samsung crapware, but just the sheer annoyance of the T-Mobile boot animation was enough to remind me why I left stock long ago. Anyway, I let it boot, and set it up minimally with just 1 Google account, not restoring from backup. To my surprise it found the ATT network (I'm an ATT user, not T-Mobile... I just prefer T-Mo phones because they have unlocked bootloaders) and APN no problem no effort from me. Usually I have to enter an APN.
6. I tested the phone out to make sure all systems were working. GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth, etc.. To my surprise, first time I ran the camera app, it applied a firmware patch. Sweet. I'm glad I went through this step. Coming from ancient MDL, I figured there might be some kinks like this. I let it sit on stock for a few hours while I did stuff with my kids.
7. Back home, I did a factory reset from within Android. Then I flashed the latest TWRP tar file (2.8.7.0) using ODIN, and in TWRP did a full wipe of everything again.
8. At this point I flashed Danvdh's GPE edition of Lollipop from here.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2539361
Installation went smoothly. It's a very basic set of apps that it comes with (Google play is there, but you have to download email/messaging apps from the store such as Gmail and Messaging, Maps, etc). I like this approach!
I've been gradually setting things back up, and am very happy with things so far. Haven't run into any problems yet. The nice pure GPE android experience is refreshing.
@Frankenscript Thanks for the information. I was reading the linked thread and it looks really good so I'll give it a try
Mr.LinK said:
@Frankenscript Thanks for the information. I was reading the linked thread and it looks really good so I'll give it a try
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Frankenscript said:
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just completely flashed my phone with the ROM and I'm pretty happy with the outcome. No bloatware feels so nice. I've been tinkering with it for a while now and I haven't encountered any problems so far but I did notice that model number changed to GT-I9505G. I'm assuming that's normal since the rom is based off of another variant which makes sense, correct me if I'm wrong. Will this complicate future updates or other rom installation? If so, are there any ways of reverting back to the original model number?
Mr.LinK said:
I just completely flashed my phone with the ROM and I'm pretty happy with the outcome. No bloatware feels so nice. I've been tinkering with it for a while now and I haven't encountered any problems so far but I did notice that model number changed to GT-I9505G. I'm assuming that's normal since the rom is based off of another variant which makes sense, correct me if I'm wrong. Will this complicate future updates or other rom installation? If so, are there any ways of reverting back to the original model number?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure we can change the reported model number by modifying the build.prop file. I just haven't poked around with it yet... I did ask the question in the thread and am waiting for a reply. I haven't had to do this kind of thing for over a year, and I forget the build.prop key that does it. But I had some concern that it might bork something else down the road so I decided to wait a bit. IT's just a cosmetic thing and I'm SOOO enjoying the experience right now.
Two little things I'm still fishing around for answers to:
-In the drop down quick access menu, I wish there was a sound/vibrate/mute toggle. I can make one with PowerToggles but maybe there's a way to adjust what's in the native one.
-Really silly, but the power off button when pressed just seems to ... power off the phone!? No option for restart / recovery. Maybe there's an option to set this somewhere; haven't checked.
Still, these are all minor things to sort out. Really, I think I'm very sold on GPE editions now thanks to Danvdh's work.
Marc
Just an update, my phone just rebooted twice in the last 5 mins or so. Was watching on my netflix and it randomly rebooted. Any idea what's causing it and how to prevent it from happening?
Mr.LinK said:
Just an update, my phone just rebooted twice in the last 5 mins or so. Was watching on my netflix and it randomly rebooted. Any idea what's causing it and how to prevent it from happening?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't seen random reboots. I think I got maybe one reboot since installing the ROM. Then again, I haven't put NF on the phone. I do know that Netflix app had some issues on my Shield tablet, and the manufacturer (Nvidia) came out with a patch... maybe it's something general in Lollipop?
Frankenscript said:
Two little things I'm still fishing around for answers to:
-In the drop down quick access menu, I wish there was a sound/vibrate/mute toggle. I can make one with PowerToggles but maybe there's a way to adjust what's in the native one.
-Really silly, but the power off button when pressed just seems to ... power off the phone!? No option for restart / recovery. Maybe there's an option to set this somewhere; haven't checked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both if those can be fixed with Xposed modules.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app
Will look into doing this in a week or so. Thanks
Sent back in time via Android 9.0 TimeText feature.

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